Japan finalises negotiations on joining Horizon Europe

The European Commission and Japan have successfully concluded negotiations on Japan's association to Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation programme.

The agreement, which was announced by the Commission on 22/12/2025, is expected to be signed in 2026.

The agreement specifically targets Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which tackles societal challenges through multinational collaborative projects, such as the digital transition, food security, and climate-neutral energy.

Under transitional arrangements, Japanese entities can apply to Horizon Europe calls starting in 2026 and will be treated as 'eligible entities' from an associated country.

Twenty-two countries are associated members of Horizon Europe including Switzerland, Egypt, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand which joined the programme in 2025.